Toronto’s New Year celebrations return to waterfront 

eAwazLifestyle

Toronto – The City of Toronto is gearing up to host the biggest fireworks display in Canada to ring in 2024. On Sunday, December 31 at midnight, residents and visitors to Toronto are invited to countdown to the New Year and witness a free 10-minute, high-altitude fireworks show synchronized to music, visible from anywhere with a view of the city’s inner harbour and also livestreamed online.

Designated viewing areas for the fireworks include:

  • Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
  • Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
  • Harbour Square Park, 25 Queens Quay W.
  • Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr.
  • Little Norway Park, 659 Queens Quay W.
  • HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W.
  • Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

For those unable to attend in-person, the live webcast begins at 10 p.m. with DJ sets until 11:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve countdown begins at 11:30 p.m., which will culminate in the fireworks display. The webcast will feature ASL and Closed Captioning and be available on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel.

New Year’s Eve performances

The City’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will also feature pop-up performances from 10 p.m. onwards in various locations across Toronto’s waterfront including:

  • Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr.
  • Toronto Music Garden, 476 Queens Quay W.
  • Exhibition Common at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.

Headlining acts include Toronto-based artists DJ Sofia Fly and DJ Cozmic Cat. Local sensation Tynomi Banks will host the live webcast. Pop-up participatory dance performances co-produced with The Dance Together Festival will transform public spaces and bring audiences together to celebrate through dance.

Travel and road closures

The use of public transit on New Year’s Eve is highly recommended. Free service is available on the TTC and GO Transit from 7 p.m. on December 31 to 8 a.m. on January 1, 2024. Customers do not need to tap to use TTC subways, streetcar and buses or GO trains and buses during this time.

Pedestrians are encouraged to use both York and Bay Streets to access any of the seven waterfront viewing areas for spectacular views of the fireworks display.

The following road closures are in effect through the New Year’s weekend:

  • Eastbound traffic on Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024
  • Bay Street from Lakeshore Boulevard West to Queens Quay West from 10 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 to 1 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Additional road closures may be added at any time during the event if warranted by Toronto Police Services. The full list of viewing areas for the fireworks and performances as well as transit and safety information can be found on the City’s New Year’s Eve event webpage. Residents are reminded that fireworks cannot be set off without a permit. More information is available on the City’s fireworks regulations and bylaws webpage.

“I am excited to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the first time as Mayor of Toronto and reflect on what has been an eventful year for me and Torontonians from all walks of life. I encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the fireworks display, from the comfort of your home via the livestream or in-person along our city’s beautiful waterfront. Let us count down to an incredible New Year filled with amazing possibilities for our great city.” – Mayor Olivia Chow